Black Elk Speaks questions

What unique features of Black Elk's language stand out to you? Give three quotes and examples. The unique feature of this abstract text that mostly stands out to me is the language simplicity. The fact that this translated writing is translated into a very simple language, shows that Black Elks language is simple too. This shows through 'and that of his father', 'he was a medicine man'. These literal features are the simple ways of saying 'grandfather' or even 'doctor/pharmacist', or maybe his language has no words for these words. Another interpretation to the use of his language may be because of tradition (importance of genealogy). His language is also metaphoric, which adds to its uniqueness. He refers to months in a very metaphorical and a historical way, he uses phrases like 'moon of the popping trees' and 'moon of the changing season'. The historical dates he uses are 'wounded knee' and also 'winter when the four crows were killed'. The given names 'Crazy Horse' 'Black Elk' 'Refuse-to-go' contain certain attributes wished for in the child, and could be very Literal. These names are drawn from the person's personality and character.

2) What do you think he means by ''the bitten moon''? what kinds of qualities does his language reflect? I think what is meant by the ''Bitten moon'' as the crescent moon, this shows the languages visual qualities, and the way they visualize the world in their own perspective. His simple, straight forward and innocent language reflects imagery and proximity to nature that they may have, which explains the nature-related phrases and literal features that they use to describe different times of year and names.

3) Black Elk's language reflects the way he perceives the world. How does language communicate perception? There are many ways that things can be said, and these sayings reflect the way you conceive the world, showing the difference in the ways different people see it. Also, it shows how their culture is conveyed through their language, showing the beauty of his culture and the way they perceive things.

4) What differences do you note between Black Elk's language and your own? What can these difference tell us about our different cultural values?

The differences between my languages, english and arabic is that they are much more structured and sophisticated. The words that we use are much more descriptive and complex, rather than straight-forward and simple english, this is because the standard english is so much less abstract, and does not depend on what our eyes perceive, because our surroundings and the different societies we live in. Black Elks society is more tribal and nomadic and this may be the reason why people perceive the world the way they do.